We get tonsa questions each day from readers wondering if a
rumor they’ve heard is fact or fiction. Want the truth? If it sounds too good
to be true—or seriously nutty!—it probably is. Here are 11 myths that you
really shouldn’t buy into.

Low fat is always better for you

Sure, the nutrition stats on the back of the bag of
reduced-fat chips you’re munching might sit better with your conscious, but
full-fat chips (and cheese and ice cream, for example) often leave you more
satiated with a smaller helping.

While it does work in
a pinch, toothpaste is really drying for your skin, making it a
total last resort acne treatment rather than a go-to. Instead, head to the
drugstore and grab a spot treatment loaded with salicylic acid.

Doing crunches will blast tummy fat

Crunches and other ab-fab moves are great to get your
muscles in tip-top shape, but to blast fat, you’ve gotta include some cardio
in your workout. Hit up the elliptical,
jump some rope, play soccer with your sibs—anything to get active.

Sipping java has no
effect on how tall (or short) you are. But turning to coffee (or Coke or Red
Bull) for a burst of energy isn’t a fab idea, babe. Eating healthily,
exercising daily and getting enough sleep will leave ya feeling recharged every
morning…and rocking your daily sched.

Virgins can’t use tampons

Using a tampon isn’t
a sign that you’re sexually active. Most girls are able to use tampons
comfortably throughout their lives, whether they’ve had sex or not. You won’t
break your hymen…or lose your virginity…if you opt for tampons over pads.

Dieting will help you lose weight

Cutting out empty calories (think soda) and junk food
(buh-bye, potato chips!) can help you stay healthy. But restricting the number
of calories you eat each day will force your body into survival mode, making it
cling to the carbs and fat you do
ingest. Get the deets here.

Your boobs don’t even out ‘til you’re 18

This one depends entirely on the girl. Some women’s boobs
are always even. Some even out later in life. And some remain uneven. There’s
no way to tell whether or not your breasts
will be the same size in the future, so embrace your girls now!

Piercing your ears can paralyze you

A doc has told us
that there is no nerve in the ear that can paralyze you if you hit it
accidentally while getting your ears pierced. So rock those studs without fear,
OK?

Skipping breakfast is A-OK

Don’t feel like sitting down to eggs and bacon? It’s time to
find a tasty alternative that appeals to ya, babe, ‘cause breakfast is way
important. Whether you munch granola
swirled into yogurt or a bowl of cereal, get something in your belly within an
hour of waking up.